Disaster Management | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Disaster management in India is a crucial aspect of public administration and governance. With its diverse geographical and climatic conditions, India is prone to various types of disasters such as floods, earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, and epidemics. Effective disaster management involves a comprehensive approach that includes preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.

Elements of Disaster Management

• Preparedness: This involves developing early warning systems, conducting risk assessments, creating disaster management plans, and enhancing the capacity of communities to respond to disasters. Preparedness also includes training and capacity building of response personnel.
• Mitigation: Mitigation measures aim to reduce the impact of disasters by implementing structural and non-structural measures. This can include constructing resilient infrastructure, enforcing building codes, promoting afforestation, and implementing land-use planning to reduce vulnerability.
• Response: The response phase involves immediate actions to address the needs of affected communities. It includes search and rescue operations, emergency medical care, providing temporary shelters, and ensuring the availability of essential supplies such as food, water, and medicines.
• Recovery: The recovery phase focuses on restoring normalcy and rebuilding affected communities. It includes rehabilitation of infrastructure, livelihood support, psychological counseling, and measures to enhance the resilience of communities against future disasters.

Institutional Framework

India has established a robust institutional framework for disaster management at both the national and state levels.

National level:

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): It is the apex body responsible for laying down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management in India. It coordinates and monitors disaster management efforts across the country.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): NDRF is a specialized force that is trained and equipped for disaster response and rescue operations. It plays a crucial role in the immediate response phase during disasters.

State level:

• State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA): Each state in India has its own SDMA, headed by the Chief Minister, to manage disasters at the state level. SDMAs formulate state-specific policies and plans for disaster management.
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): SDRF is responsible for the immediate response to disasters within the state. It works in coordination with the NDRF during disaster operations.

Financial Setup:

The government of India allocates funds for disaster management through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). These funds are utilized for disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction activities. Additionally, the government encourages public-private partnerships for resource mobilization and efficient disaster management.

Legislations dealing with disasters

The primary legislation dealing with disaster management in India is the Disaster Management Act, 2005. This act provides a legal framework for disaster management at all levels and defines the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders. It empowers the authorities to undertake preventive, preparedness, and response measures. The act also mandates the establishment of disaster management plans and National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP).

2nd ARC on National Disaster Management Act 2005

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) reviewed the implementation of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005. It made several recommendations to strengthen the disaster management framework, including the need for greater coordination between different levels of government, capacity building of response agencies, and the integration of disaster management into development planning.

COVID-19 and Disaster Management

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of effective disaster management. The government of India implemented various measures to contain the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, testing, contact tracing, and vaccination drives. The pandemic also emphasized the need for a robust healthcare infrastructure, emergency response systems, and public awareness campaigns.

The Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and its limitations

The Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, is an important legislation that empowers the government to take special measures to control the spread of epidemic diseases. However, the act has certain limitations. It lacks specific provisions for coordination among different agencies and does not address the challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases. There is a need for a comprehensive and updated legal framework to effectively deal with public health emergencies.

Partnerships for Mitigation and Preparedness

Disaster management in India requires collaboration and partnerships among various stakeholders. This includes government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, academia, and the private sector. Partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and the implementation of innovative solutions for disaster mitigation and preparedness. Building strong partnerships is crucial to enhance the resilience of communities and reduce the impact of disasters in India.

Conclusion

In conclusion, disaster management in India is a critical aspect of public administration and governance. It encompasses elements such as preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. The institutional framework at the national and state levels, including bodies like NDMA and SDMA, plays a vital role in coordinating and implementing disaster management efforts. Adequate financial setup, legislations like the Disaster Management Act 2005, and recommendations from the 2nd ARC further strengthen the disaster management framework.